Device for thermal ablation of a cavity
First Claim
1. A device for facilitating necrosis of tissue comprising:
- a distal flexible bladder;
a proximal flexible bladder;
a single-lumen catheter joining said distal and proximal flexible bladders in a liquid-tight system,a liquid sealed inside the system to flow between the two bladders;
wherein the liquid volume is established to permit the distal bladder to substantially deflate when the liquid is moved out of the distal end; and
wherein the catheter has two opposing ends, one end opening into the proximal bladder and the other end opening into the distal bladder, the catheter extending continuously and normally open between its ends to define an unchangeable volume for the system liquid.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus and method for causing necrosis of tissue and specifically intended for thermal ablation of the uterine cavity to cauterizing the endometrial tissue. The apparatus includes a liquid-tight, liquid filled system having a distal flexible member; a proximal flexible member; and a catheter joining and providing a liquid path between these distal and proximal members. The apparatus further includes a pressurizable pneumatic chamber into which the proximal flexible member is inserted and a means to controllably heat the contents of the pneumatic chamber. The system operates to: first withdraw substantially all of the liquid into the proximal flexible member contained within the pressurizable pneumatic chamber; second to heat this liquid to a temperature such that it can cause tissue necrosis; and third to force the heated liquid from the proximal flexible member into the distal flexible member where it is maintained for a predetermined time and at a predetermined pressure. Where this distal member has been inserted into a uterine cavity or is otherwise is in contact with living tissue, the presence of the heated liquid results in tissue necrosis and cauterization.
97 Citations
9 Claims
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1. A device for facilitating necrosis of tissue comprising:
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a distal flexible bladder; a proximal flexible bladder; a single-lumen catheter joining said distal and proximal flexible bladders in a liquid-tight system, a liquid sealed inside the system to flow between the two bladders;
wherein the liquid volume is established to permit the distal bladder to substantially deflate when the liquid is moved out of the distal end; andwherein the catheter has two opposing ends, one end opening into the proximal bladder and the other end opening into the distal bladder, the catheter extending continuously and normally open between its ends to define an unchangeable volume for the system liquid. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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Specification